Using Display Screen Equipment (DSE) In The Department of Engineering
Need for consideration
Prolonged use of display screen equipment increases the risk of a number of health problems
such as muscular skeletal strain and eye strain. The risk can be acceptably reduced through using
suitable equipment, proper set up and training.
Display Screen Equipment Law requires employers to:
 determine members of staff who should be classified as DSE users
 ensure all workstations meet required specifications
 provide information, training, and certain occupational health assessments to work station
users
This document describes the policy the Department of Engineering has adopted to ensure users of
the Department's workstations can do so with minimum risk.
Definitions
DSE
Any equipment which has a screen to view images associated with it. Most commonly it will be an
entire computer but also includes any equipment to view live camera images or edit video.
Workstation
All the equipment necessary to use the DSE. For a computer it includes the entire computer, the
table it sits on, the chair the operator uses, and any items such as foot rests and document holders
any operator needs. Other DSE will have similar items in their workstations
Classification of People using Department of Engineering run DSE
1. DSE Users
 Any member of clerical staff will be classified as a DSE User
 Any member of the Department on the University payroll who can demonstrate they
habitually use a computer for spells of at least an hour at a time on most days for their
normal paid work will be classified as a DSE user
2. Non DSE Users
 Undergraduates and visitors and post graduates who are not paid by the University /
Department cannot be classified as DSE users
 Staff who occasionally use DSE or use it regularly but only for short periods
DSE users are entitled to free eye tests to determine whether their eyes need correction
for working intensively with DSE. A test should be arranged on appointment of a person
who will be classed as a DSE user or when an existing member of staff when they are
assessed at their workstation. Retests are made every two years.
All people using the Department's DSE should be educated in the hazards and means of
avoiding them whether they are DSE users or not
Method of Ensuring Compliance
1. Workstation assessment
All the Department's workstations will be assessed on one of two levels:
A. with the user present where the workstation is
used by a single individual in an office
used by an individual or small group in a laboratory or similar location
B. without a user present where the workstation is
used by many people in an ad hoc fashion in an open access area, laboratory, or office.
Department of Engineering DSE policy. v1.2 23/04/12. Page 1 of 2
Workstations in an open access area or laboratory will be given a blanket assessment which
covers the type of work they will be used for. The results of the assessment should be
available in the area it is for.
Assessment will be carried out by individuals trained for the purpose
Assessment will be based on HSE's 'vdu-workstation checklist'
2. Frequency of assessment
Normally the workstation will be assessed upon installation or significant change and every two
years afterwards.
For level A installations the users will be instructed and reminded of the correct set up and
adjustments and will make their own assessments upon significant changes.
For level B installations there is no need to make an assessment if a new or replacement
workstation is added to those already present as long as the set up remains the same as the
others.
3. Education and awareness for workstation users
All members of the Department should
 be made aware of the potential hazards of the intensive use of computers and the
symptoms to be aware of
(e.g.: eye strain, headaches, back pain, inflamed tendons in the wrists)
 be asked if they have a history of illness or conditions that may be affected by prolonged
use of a computer
(e.g.: previous DSE use symptoms, arthritis, back pain, migraines)
 be made aware of ways of self help
(taking a break away from the computer for a minute or two in every half hour, who to go to
for further help)
 Eligible staff should be made aware of DSE user classification and about the eye test.
Methods of implementation
 all individually assessed workstations will have the results of the assessment given to their
operator
 all laboratory and open access area workstations will have labels attached to indicate they
have been assessed and giving instructions to users how best to use them and where to
get help from
 providing 'TakeABreak' software reminder software individuals can install on their computer
workstations
 providing information to students in year guides and project guides
 class tutors telling students to take breaks in classes where computers are used intensively
 signs about good practice in Departmental computer areas
4. Trained assessors
Assessors should have adequate training for making assessments. This may be achieved by:
 attending the University Safety Office two day examined course
 being trained by an assessor who has attended the University run course or equivalent.
Department of Engineering DSE policy. v1.2 23/04/12. Page 2 of 2